But another pair of blue-green eyes and a drawling voice insinuated itself regularly into her memory. Varun Thakur, or The Owl, as he was known in the Police circles. She seethed at the way he had tricked her into finding his diamonds. He was clever, she had to admit, and every bit as intelligent and crooked as his reputation marked him to be. And yet fascinating…
Sonia was too confused to distinguish right from wrong. And Mohnish from Varun…
“Sonia…?” Mohnish was observing her closely.
“Mohnish, I don’t know what to say.”
“Say nothing. I’m simply asking you to spend some time with me. We’ll just enjoy being together and find out where that leads us. Will you do that?”
“Okay,” Sonia agreed.
“Good! Now I can enjoy my chai.”
“Id love a cup, too!” Inspector Divekar, encased in a khaki- coloured uniform, sauntered in, a wide smile on his plumpish face. “It’s cold out there!”
“Good morning, Uncle.” Sonia greeted her Father’s good friend warmly.
“Hello, Sir,” Mohnish added, drawing over a chair.
The Inspector sat down. “I was just passing by and thought that I’d drop in and see how the new year has begun for you.”
“Not too well, Uncle,” Sonia sighed. “Not a single case in hand, but I haven’t given up hope as yet. I’m quite confident that the diary Jatin gave me for Christmas is going to be full of appointments!”
“You’re right, Boss,” Jatin said, entering with a cup of chai for Inspector Divekar. “Just wait and watch.”
“Full faith in her, huh?” Inspector Divekar took a long sip from his cup.
“Of course,” Jatin said. “Besides, Boss gave me a mobile phone for Christmas and I have every intention of putting it to good use, too!”
Sonia laughed. “Anyway, how are things with you, Uncle?”
“Busy, as usual. The Owl’s escape from under our very noses still rankles. Had we been more alert, we could’ve caught him.”
“Provided he is The Owl,” Sonia reminded lightly.
“Of course he’s The Owl!” Mohnish retaliated impatiently.
“Oh yes, the guy who met you was most definitely The Owl,” Inspector Divekar endorsed. “And he now has the Kerkar jewels to add to his grand collection.”
“Don’t remind me.” Sonia sighed again. “The Owl or not, I definitely have a score to settle with that man.”
“Be careful, beti,” Inspector Divekar warned. “You never know with these guys. Don’t go on that outward suave and sober front. They could get dangerous. Best not to provoke such types.”
“Don’t worry, Uncle. Varun Thakur didn’t seem particularly dangerous to me, but I’ll keep that in mind. Not that our roads will cross again. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay right out of my path.”
Mohnish and Inspector Divekar exchanged quick looks.
“Be careful, that’s all,” the Inspector repeated. He gulped down his tea and stood up. “Well, see you later, then. Got to get back to the Police Station. Bye.”
Mohnish studied Sonia in silence. She seemed deep in thought as she fondled Nidhi. And it troubled him. In fact, he felt positively disturbed.
“A rupee for your thoughts, Madam,” he said in a cheerful note.
She glanced up, surprised. “Sorry, I… ”
“It’s all right. We’ve known each other for almost a year now, Sonia. I’m beginning to understand you.” A smile plucked at his lips.
Sonia grinned. “Are you?”
“Yes. Varun Thakur has left a trace of incompletion and dissatisfaction in your mind. And even though I’m totally aware of your skills and courage, I wouldn’t hesitate to add my voice of caution to Inspector Divekar’s. Forget him. Forget The Owl.” Sonia looked into Mohnish’s face and read the concern there. “You really mean that.”
“Yes, I do. I’m worried about you. And I would hate it if you ever got hurt.”
“Thanks, Mohnish. But I’m not going to get hurt and Varun Thakur is no threat to me. Now, let’s drop this subject, okay?”
“If you insist.” Mohnish shrugged. He stood. “I have to leave anyway. I’m going to be out of town for a few days. I’ll see you when I return.” He stared at Sonia for an instant, then left without a backward glance.
Now she’d done it. She’d upset Mohnish. She sighed. This was all Varun Thakur’s fault, she decided grimly. First he insinuated himself into her life with his bouquets from “A Secret Admirer,” then he manipulated her into finding his diamonds. And lastly he had made his preposterous proposal, thus ensuring a permanent place in her thoughts! The man was truly cunning and charming - an extremely deadly combination. And not in the least for the reasons proclaimed by Inspector Divekar and Mohnish. And for all the well meant advises that were showered on her, Sonia had no intention of giving up on her revenge.
Jatin popped his head into the office. “Boss, you have a guest.”
“A guest?” She noticed that he didn’t say “a client.”
Jatin appeared a little flustered. “Our new neighbour. She says she’d like to meet you.”
“Send her in.”
Sonia rose and placed Nidhi on her colourful cushions, which seemed to be growing in number. The cat curled off to sleep at once.
“Hello!” a husky voice called.
Sonia turned to face a slim woman of medium height, in her thirties. A warm smile lit up her sharp features, which were crowned by a sleek bob. She wore jeans and a red shirt which gave off a faint, pleasant scent.
“Hi!”
“I’m Devika Bhagat. Your new neighbour. I hope I’m not disturbing you?” the woman stepped into the room.
“Oh no, please come in.” Sonia found herself responding spontaneously to the stranger’s friendly smile and voice.
As Devika sat down, she threw a look around the tidy Office. “Lovely setup you have here,” she remarked casually.
“Yes,” Sonia agreed, following her gaze across the room. The room was a mix and match of old furniture. A colourful handwoven Panchgani carpet in the middle of the room gave it more the look of a sitting room than an office. “Though, my colleague Jatin insists that it’s
